Maud added: “I speak at a lot of ladies’ meetings in Northern Ireland about Africa and if that encourages women and inspires them to go on to do things, it pleases me.”

Maud in DR Congo

The Belfast Telegraph reported on their website that Maud was chosen because the judges were so impressed by her “bravery, tenacity and selflessness”.

Belfast Telegraph editor Gail Walker chaired the judging panel, which also included freelance writer Maureen Coleman, head of Ulster Bank Ellvena Graham and former Woman of the Year in Fashion Maureen Martin.

Ms Walker said: “Maud is an outstanding winner.

“She is an inspiring lady and it was a unanimous decision by the judges to give her the overall title.”

Maud is an inspiring lady and it was a unanimous decision by the judges to give her the overall title - Gail Walker